RONAN O’Gara’s 14-hour flight to Australia “felt like 14 days” on account of being sat between two random women instead of his kids.
The Munster icon jetted Down Under from France in order to provide co-commentary on the British and Irish Lions’ match-up with Queensland Reds from Brisbane.
He was speaking from Sydney as he’s following Andy Farrell’s side round for a few days[/caption]
The flight was made even longer as he admitted he’s not one for watching movies in any setting[/caption]
The Lions are next in action on Saturday when they take on Waratahs at 11am Irish time[/caption]
He brought his children along with him so that they could sample a Lions tour since they only come around once every four years.
However, the first leg of the sweet family getaway was ruined by him being separated from his children for the entire long-haul flight.
Appearing on Off the Ball Breakfast he vented: “Usually when you’re flying as part of a team you’re well looked after in business class.
“But since I went with the kids we were in economy. They weren’t in the same row as me which was ridiculous.
“I was put in row E between two ladies that I’d never met obviously. So that 14 hours was tough! It felt like 14 days!
“Even the kids were like ‘Dad, you’re going to have change that (for the flight back).
“They were telling me that Dan Biggar was in first-class! It was brutal though. I completely underestimated how much that flight would take it out of me.”
The arduous journey was worth it though as fans on both sides of the Irish Sea loved his input while on co-comms for Sky Sports alongside Miles Harrison and Wales great Biggar.
The 48-year-old even unwittingly provided a laugh for viewers back home when he slipped into French while making a point.
The La Rochelle head coach has spoken before about the funny moments that often arise while conversing with his children who possess better French than he does.
And his latest language faux pas unfortunately came in front of a far bigger audience.
Virgin Media rugby host Joe Molloy was among the many viewers who cracked up at it.
He tweeted: “ROG accidentally speaking French on comms the highlight of the second-half!”
Similarly, Gavan Casey of the 42 added: “Ronan O’Gara is going to add so much to this Lions tour as a co-commentator.
“A lovely blend of coaching insight, self-deprecation, Tony Romo-esque premonitions, and accidental French. Dan Biggar top-class also, as always.”
Overall he did très bien as there was a lot of praise for his insightful analysis as the match unfolded.
Carl hailed: “Dan Biggar and Ronan O’Gara on co-comms is the perfect blend of experience and knowledge. A pleasure to listen to them.”
Lastly, Jim praised: “Really liking Ronan O’Gara on commentary so far.”
